MAHONING VALLEY Group to pick winner

Cleveland's first female mayor will be keynote speaker for the evening.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Twenty-five Mahoning Valley business and professional women are nominees for the 2002 ATHENA Award, an honor presented yearly to a woman who demonstrates career excellence and community leadership.
The winner will be announced at the 10th annual ATHENA Award Dinner, set for 6:30 p.m. May 22 at Mr. Anthony's Banquet Center in Boardman. A VIP reception and cash bar reception will precede the dinner.
Presented by The Vindicator and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce, the ATHENA Award program aims to recognize outstanding women leaders who make it their business to mentor or contribute to the growth of other professional women.
Jane Campbell, the first female mayor of the city of Cleveland, will be keynote speaker for the event's 10th anniversary.
Campbell was a Cuyahoga County commissioner before her election as the 55th mayor of the lakefront city, and she also served 12 years as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives.
She took on leadership positions with statewide influence as a county official, serving as chairwoman of a welfare reform task force, the Executive Committee of the Large Urban County Caucus and the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.
As a state representative, she provided support and guidance for passage of the Adult Care Licensing Bill to ensure quality services to the aged, blind and disabled.
Married and the mother of two teen-age daughters, Campbell has a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a master's degree from Cleveland State University.
Who's been nominated
The ATHENA nominees are:
UBetty Belding, a Realtor for Pat Gallagher Realty in Columbiana.
UAlice D. Burger, professor of health professions and associate to the dean, Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, Youngstown State University.
UJudy Conti, owner and instructor, Judy Conti Dance Studio.
UJulie Costas, director of marketing, Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
UTheresa Dellick, juvenile judge, Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas.
UMary Lou Green, president and owner, Key Executive Services.
UDr. Gwendolyn D. Hughes, M.D., director of medical services, Youngstown Community Health Center.
UBarbara J. Kindler, retired teacher, Roosevelt Elementary, Hubbard Local Schools.
UDr. Jenifer R. Lloyd, D.O., Lloyd Dermatology, Laser and Education Center.
UJo Anne K. McCliment, director of community relations, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Retirement Services Inc.
UChristine L. McElroy, vice president and financial center manager, Sky Bank.
UJulie Michael, governor's regional representative for economic development, Ohio Department of Development.
UKatherine Murdock, guidance counselor, Chaney High School, Youngstown.
UCheryl Oblinger, executive director, Trumbull County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
UBonnie Perratto, vice president of nursing and clinical services, Humility of Mary Health Partners.
UPatricia K. Poppe, general assembly area manager, General Motors Lordstown Assembly.
UCarol H. Potter, director of public relations and marketing, Mill Creek MetroParks.
UThe Rev. Elizabeth Powell, pastor, World Fellowship International.
UCarol J. Sherman, vice president, Sherman Creative Promotions Inc.
UJo Ann Stock, director of campaign and marketing, Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way.
UBarbara Sullivan, principal of Howland Middle School.
UDiane S. A. Vettori, attorney, Vettori Law Offices and D.A. Professional Services.
UWendy E. Webb, assistant superintendent, Youngstown city schools.
UAnne Louise White, comprehensive strategy coordinator, Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas.
UDebra J. Wilson, executive director, Homes for Kids Inc.
Tickets for the event are $30 per person, $240 for a corporate table of eight.
For more information, contact Jan Strasfeld at the chamber, (330)744-2131, or e-mail her at Jan@regionalchamber.com.
Reservations must be made before May 17 and no refunds will be made after that date.